Chapter 16
That night after dinner, Helen walked into the Laurel Cove Bed and Breakfast through the back door. She flipped on the light switch and locked the door behind her.
Rebecca had sent a text saying she was leaving fifteen minutes ago and there was one reservation for tomorrow. She also said she freshened up all the rooms, so they were ready for business.
Tonight, Helen could relax.
She turned on the kettle and plucked a tea bag of chamomile tea out of the canister and placed it in a teacup.
It was the first night that she didn’t have any guests. The house felt a little lonely.
Hannah’s words came back to her about her ever being afraid. She’d never really given it any thought, until now.
Once the kettle started singing, she turned the stove off and poured the hot water over the tea bag.
She carried her teacup into the living room and turned on the fireplace with the remote.
Easing into the large chair by the window, she looked out. The weather called for snow tonight, and it was the first real snow they had gotten for the winter season.
The front porch lights illuminated the trees blowing in the frigid wind, and she could even catch the scent of cedar from the garland outside.
The tiny white lights on the garland seemed to sparkle in the night.
She reached for the TV remote and turned on the weather channel. She sipped her tea as the weather man predicted four inches of snow by morning.
She made a mental note to take a flashlight to place on her nightstand in case the electricity went out and the generator didn’t kick on. She was grateful for Oliver’s help, but knew she couldn’t always rely on someone.
Her phone buzzed and she picked it up.
I’m still thinking about you.
She groaned. Carl. When would he learn to leave her alone?
She had started a new life, and it didn’t include him.
Helen ignored the text and turned off the TV. She soon grew sleepy as she sipped her tea while the storm started up outside.